1. On a winter afternoon in 1988, I commenced my adventurous journey for becoming the air warrior of motherland. It was the day of facing the Inter Services Selection Board (ISSB), a major step towards joining glorious patriotic comrades of the nation. I forgot to carry keys of my suitcase. When my mother noticed that she asked her nephew Suja to be in my aide. The veteran aerial combatant replied “phupu if your smart son is not able to unlock the luggage without keys then he should never even try to take challenges of joining Air Force.” The valiant ace eagle never considered any obstacles as barrier rather enjoyed overcoming those challenges and came out triumphant.

2. The Arabs pledged to encounter Jews community who started concentrating in Jerusalem and adjoining areas occupying Muslim settlements under British and French patronization. The Arabs under the united banner of “Military Coalition of Arab States” like Egypt, Transjordan, Syria, and expeditionary forces from Iraq were outsmart by the diplomacy, outstanding leadership and strategic planning of legendary politicians Ben Gurion and Golda Meir who could successfully exploited western and American support to established the State of Israel on 15 May 1948 (Wikipedia, 1948 Arab Israel War, 2024). The creation of Israel triggered significant demographic change throughout the Middle East. Around 700,000 Palestinian Arabs fled or were expelled out from their homes in the area that became Israel, and they became refugees in what they refer to as Al-Nakba ("the catastrophe"). In the three years following the war, about 700,000 Jews immigrated to Israel. Around 260,000 Jews moved to Israel from the Arab world during and immediately after the war ((Wikipedia, 1948 Arab Israel War, 2024). The mistrust and collaborative mentality of Arab League (regional organization in the Arab world) was exposed by fragmented ambitions of King Abdullah of Transjordan, King Farouk of Egypt, Iraqi strongman Nuri as-Said, the vested national interest of Syrian and Lebanon.

3. Gamal Abdel Nasser Hussein emerged as one of the strong leadership in the Muslim world  overthrowing the monarchy in Egypt in 1952 by establishing a republic and ending the British occupation of the country (Wikipedia, 1952 Egyptian Revolution, 2024). He denounced British imperialism in Egypt and British control over the Suez Canal. He persuaded that the Egyptian people had a right to sovereignty over the waterway. Such nationalistic move was aggressively reacted by Israel and the West. The Suez Crisis was actually a tripartite aggression. It was an invasion of Sinai Peninsula in Egypt in late 1956 by Israel, followed by intervention of the United Kingdom and France. Their aim was to regain Western control of the Suez Canal and to remove Egyptian president Gamal Abdel Nasser from power. However, huge political pressure from the United States, the Soviet Union and the United Nations had finally led to a withdrawal by the three invaders. The episode ultimately humiliated the United Kingdom and France and strengthened the political empowerment of Nasser. Though Israel was eventually forced to withdraw, but was guaranteed that the Straits of Tiran would remain open that had been blocked to Israeli shipping since 1950 (Wikipedia, Suez Crisis, 2024). A United Nations Emergency Force (UNEF) was deployed along the border of Egypt and Israel to secure an end to the Suez crisis in 1956. It can be said that the crisis signified the end of Great Britain's role in the international arena as one of the world's major powers (Wikipedia, Suez Crisis, 2024).

4. In 30 May 1967 Egyptian President Gamal Abdel Nasser once again announced that the straits would be closed to Israeli vessels and then mobilised its Egyptian forces along its border with Israel expelling United Nation Emergency Force (UNEF) presence (Wikipedia, Six-Day War, 2024). Egypt then had signed a defence agreement with Jordan envisaged that in the event of war Jordan would contain Israeli forces to prevent making territorial gains. Syria was also gradually building strong military capabilities. On 5th June, Arab endeavours was overshadowed by a series of preemptive airstrikes by Israel against Egyptian airfields. The Egyptians were caught by surprise, and nearly the entire Egyptian air force was destroyed with a few Israeli losses, obtaining the Israelis air supremacy. Only four unarmed Egyptian training flights were in the air when the strike began. A total of 338 Egyptian aircraft were destroyed and 100 pilots were killed. Simultaneously, the Israelis launched a ground offensive into the Gaza Strip and the Sinai, which again caught the Egyptians by surprise that suffered heavy losses. Israel had conquered the entire Sinai Peninsula (Wikipedia, Six-Day War, 2024). The Israeli success was the result of a well-prepared and enacted strategy, the poor political leadership of the Arab states, and their poor military leadership and strategy. Israel seized the Gaza Strip and the Sinai Peninsula from Egypt, the West Bank, including East Jerusalem from Jordan and the Golan Heights from Syria. Israel's international standing greatly improved in the following years. Its victory humiliated Egypt, Jordan and Syria. While the Arabs were disgraced and totally annihilated by Israeli superior strategy and tactics, one smart Bangladeshi air warrior alone overshadowed Israel’s triumphant by inflicting severe aerial damages while terminating Israeli arrogance as invincible. He was none but our popular Suja bhai formally known as Group Captain Saiful Azam (1941-2020).

5. Saiful Azam was such a personality who could make friendship with people of any age. When I often used to ask him about his unique involvement in the historic episode taking place thousands miles away from his motherland, he revealed many interesting episodes staged during his challenging journey at the Middle East. Our valiant fighter pilot (Flight Lieutenant Saiful Azam) along with Flight Lieutenant Sarwar Shad were sent by the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) on deputation as instructors and military advisers to the Royal Jordanian Air Force (RJAF) in November 1966 (Masum Billah, 2021). They were training the young Jordanian pilots. This was Pakistan’s gesture of solidarity with the Arab nations during tension with Israel (Masum Billah, 2021). At the same time, they used to work in the Air Operation Centre at RJAF for preparing operational plans for future conflict. Azam spent many hours flying one aircraft more than any other in Jordan-the Hawker-Siddeley Hunter. The British made aircraft was an industry leader of the transonic era. Azam quickly adopted to the performance of Hunter and loved flying her optimum capability (Masum Billah, 2021).

6. The tension between Israel and her Arab neighbours had reached a crescendo by mid ‘67. Israel surprised not only their Arab neighbours but also the world. Israel initiated a preemptive air attack on the Arab countries on June 5 by targeting Egyptian air assets first; and then Jordan, Syria and Iraq faced the subsequent Israeli aggression. When the war broke out on 5th June 1967, RJAF Commander found his majority of aerial combatants were either not fit for flying or not confident to withstand such difficult tasks. The Base Commander on behalf of King Hussein requested skillful fighter pilot Flight Lieutenant Azam to take part in Arabs resistance against Israeli invasion. Courageous Azam immediately accepted King’s offer. A special authority was required to obtain for Azam to fly RJAF fighters as Pakistan was not in the war. King Hussein personally sought President Ayub Khan’s approval, which he asserted immediately. Flight Lieutenant Saiful Azam became the only air warrior in history to participate in the war bearing three different identities-born in Bangladesh, serving in Pakistan Air Force, took active part in Arab-Israel War wearing RJAF uniform as an air combatant of No 1 Fighter Squadron (Hunters) (Wikipedia, Six-Day War, 2024).

7. Israel had two main objectives in Six-Day War in 1967: destruction of the military assets of the Arab countries and grabbing more Arab land for Israel (Masum Billah, 2021). On 5th June at 7:45 (IST) Israel Air Force (IAF) launched Operation Focus (Moked). All but 12 of its nearly 200 operational jets conducted a pre-emptive surprise series attack of simultaneous waves devastating Egypt's aircraft and air defence capabilities on ground and destroying airfields and other military installations. The raids, which were part of the opening moves of the Six-Day War, thwarted top secret Arab plans for an upcoming invasion of the Jewish state. Israel had pursued the similar attack on the following days (Wikipedia, Six-Day War, 2024). 

8. Azam was rearing to take part in the historical episode right at the first instance. He was to lead a 4-ship attack on Lod Air Base inside Israel. But a “go-no go” dilemma prevailed and kept all Arab attack groups on ground at Mafraq Air base of RJAF. At mid-morning on 5th June Azam’s role was switched from attack to Air Defense duties (Masum Billah, 2021). At mid-day, scramble order was issued and all aircraft were ordered to take off to defend the base. Azam was the first to take off, with Ihsan Shurdom as his wingman. Suddenly, there were a large number of aircraft in the air. The controller at Ajlun Radar Station was unable to identify friend or foe. Azam spotted a formation of four jets with desert camouflage (similar to Iraqi Hunters). Azam had a unique lookout and air orientation like an eagle. He observed that the group changed into an echelon formation for a bombing attack on Mafraq. He immediately noticed that they were Israeli Mystere IVs, not hunters. When IAF Bombers were returning to base after completion of ground attack, they were surprisingly intercepted by our brave Bengali young air warrior. Azam first shot down the Number-4  of the formation of Dassault Mystère IV belonging to the IAF while flying a Hawker Hunter. The Israeli jet crashed at the perimeter fence of Mafraq Air Base. Israeli pilot Captain Hanania Bula of the 116th Squadron was killed inside the stricken Mystere (Masum Billah, 2021). Pulling away from dive, Azam spotted the smoke trail of other two Mysteres of the IAF formation escaping at full speed. He immediately chased the escaping pair. Both IAF fighters and Azam with Hunter exhibited skillful application of aerial combat maneouvours. Azam had finally delivered his all remaining 30 mm shells on the wing of enemy fighter. The crippled Mystère is learnt to have crashed on its way back to base (Masum Billah, 2021). The lead Mystere only witness his number 4 and 2 being shot down, was just alone, away from base and most likely low on fuel, and did not have the courage to chase our valiant air warrior Azam. 

9. After completion of the mission Azam could not land back to his base (King Hussein Air Base, Mafraq) as it was already destroyed by Israeli air attack. Our smart eagle- Suja bhai narrated me once that while he had been returning back home after the mission he was instructed to rejoin and land at Mafraq by the Air Traffic Controller. Flight Lieutenant Azam had a doubt regarding the joining instructions received from Mafraq Air Traffic Control (ATC) Tower. He thought the accent of the controller seemed unfamiliar. He immediately asked for communication security check. The lady controller promptly replied correctly. The super intelligent Air Warrior was not deceived by the Israeli Electronic Jamming strategy. He then asked about the nick name of the pet (dog) of the then Base Commander of Mafraq Air Base, which was well known to all the personnel of the base. Israeli Intelligence Agency (Mussad) officer on duty was unable to respond such query. Brave and intelligent Azam immediately aborted landing and diverted to alternative airfield (interview with Saiful Azam, 2007). While going around from final phase of landing Suja bhai discovered a totally devastated runway underneath. Had he not cross checked the ATC instructions he would be just crash landing on the destroyed runway and would fall prey of Israeli deception measures. He then somehow managed to land at King Hussein International Airport, Amman. Israel Air Force was immediately ordered to retaliate to the Jordanian air attacks. Finding the King’s planes refueling at their bases in Mafraq and Amman International Airport, the Israeli jets wrought havoc-all 22 of Jordan’s Hawker Hunter jets were destroyed including Azam’s one (serial number 702), as were the air bases, which meant that Jordan no longer had an air force. The Israelis lost 19 planes, including two destroyed in air-to-air combat and 13 downed by anti-aircraft artillery (Wikipedia, Six-Day War, 2024). Both the aerial success against Israelis credited to our brave Bengali super eagle Flight Lieutenant Azam. He was applauded by PAF Air Commodore Abdur Rahim at the Operation Room at Amman International Airport. A very big surprise was waiting for brave Azam when he noticed King Hussein himself arrived to boost up the moral of his fellow air warriors. It was even a bigger surprise when His Majesty King Hussein Bin Talal of Jordan had asked Azam to ride him in his car after appreciating for his valiant combat performance (Masum Billah, 2021). King Hussein inspired Azam to continue fighting against the Israeli aggression. Actually, King had offered President Hasan Al Bakr of Iraq to support Arab resistance by providing all remaining Jordanian pilots and aircrew along with the most fearless air warrior of the Muslim world-Saiful Azam. 

10. Arabs’ aerial capabilities were neutralized by efficient and surprised strategy of Israel. At one stage Arab efforts were crippled by simultaneous Israeli aerial attack and missile firing. It became difficult for the Arabs to sustain and keep cohesion of fighting units. It is indeed noteworthy to know that Flight Lieutenant Azam was equally efficient in ground operations. At midnight of that long day of June 5, 1967, Azam joined the Jordanian contingent of aviators, aircrew, ground crew, technicians in a convoy of trucks and buses destined for Iraqi Air Base H-3, which is 435 kilometers from Baghdad in western Iraq, close to the Syrian–Iraqi border, and near the highway that connects Jordan with Baghdad (Wikipedia, Six-Day Wars, 2024). The convoy lumbered through a cold desert highway with weary and exhausted air warriors who had just experienced the sufferings from the atrocities caused by Israeli aggression on that day. On the following early morning, they were targeted by four Israeli Vautour bombers escorted by two Mirage IIIC. The convoy sustained damages and a few injuries, particularly it caused panic amongst the personnel in the convoy. The Contingent Commander then decided to move under cover of darkness only, not in broad daylight. Such decision was not accepted by those jubilant fighters who were eager to reach Iraqi territory as soon as possible and commence retaliation against Israel. A group of junior officers approached Azam who was second in command, to take over the command and march towards Iraq despite danger of Israeli air attacks. Suja bhai once told me that he was totally surprised to find all officers and soldiers of Jordanian Contingent approached him to take over the command the Company and they would isolate their commander for lack of displaying heroic command strategy. They said that otherwise, they might also kill their commander for not taking enough initiative during the war. They were going impatient by the minutes. A bloody revolt was about to break out over the disputed decision of the commander. The Officer Commanding understanding the crucial situation issued a revised order for all willing fighters to proceed to Iraqi destination on a voluntary basis. Azam, thereby, led the brave sub-contingent of air warriors towards Iraq, eager to take part in the noble warfare. The unit thereafter started functioning under the able command of Flight Lieutenant Azam. What a compliment awarded to a young Bangladeshi air warrior who never refused to take challenges be it in the air or in the ground. They reached H-3 that afternoon, but had to move further forward as the base had already suffered severe damage by earlier Israeli air attack (Masum Billah, 2021). Azam’s valiant contingent was asked to move to a distance base at Habbaniyah, 75 kilometers west of Baghdad. It was already 6th June 1967. Our brave Azam could reached his destination at the earliest to satisfy his adrenalin secretions of contain Israeli attacks.

11. Azam hastily moved to Iraq from Jordan where he was similarly deputized into service and earned his historical contribution in aerial combat. Iraqi Air Force used to operate same Hawker Hunters. So this time our brave air warrior participated straight way in the historic episode wearing Iraqi uniform. Israel had been destroying all the neighbouring Arab states by series of air strikes for six days since 5th June 1967. Saiful Azam could not just be an observer of such atrocities done against the Arab world. It was staged on 7th June 1967; the Israeli raid on Iraqi Air Base H-3 was a disaster for them. Israel attacked with four Vautour bombers, escorted by four Mirage IIIC fighters. Within a few minutes of engagement, they were intercepted and lost three aircraft and four air warriors (2 dead, 2 captured) (Masum Billah, 2021). With aircraft far inferior than that of enemy, a battle hardened leader had turned the tide, second time in two days, in the six days of mayhem. That leader was none but our dearest Suja bhai (Masum Billah, 2021). 

12. Azam was given command of a formation of four Hunters. He had his favourite Ihsan Shurdhom as his wingman along with other two Iraqi pilots- Lieutenant Samir and Lieutenant Mohammad. They got scramble order in the middle of breakfast and were airborne within minutes from Iraqi Air Base Habbaniyah to intercept Israeli offensive. Iraqi Radar Controller confirmed that a big formation was pulling up over H-3 and Azam’s formation of interceptors were asked to descend and engage the enemy. Azam asked Samir and Mohammad to engage slower and larger moving bombers (Vautour) and decided to take on the faster speed Mirages along with his trusted wingman Ihsan. The spectacular and historical dog fight of aerial combat was staging place. Azam with Hawker Hunters had a close encounter or popularly known as “Dog Fight” with Israeli superior aircraft Dassault Mirage IIIC. Azam got the first best opportunity in the aerial fighting and squeezed the trigger. The shells scored hits on both wings of the Dassault Mirage IIIC. With valiant effort coupled with evasive maneouvre and smart thinking Azam outclassed the technological advantage of Mirage and finally shot down the huge and state of the art fighter of the moment with much lesser capable aircraft. The Israeli fighter was engulfed in flames and the pilot Captain Gideon Dror ejected out of the burning aircraft and was taken as prisoner of war (POW). Captain Gideon Dror earlier had shot down Azam’s one of the member of the formation, but he himself fell prey to Azam’s dwelling brilliance (Fighter Jets World, June 2014). Azam was in the middle of next maneouvour. He immediately broke off to the right and spotted a Vautour coming in his direction. He made a ‘Split-S’- a risky high G dive at low altitude and inverted his Hunter to keep the Vautour in sight. Azam could successfully hit his target with 30 mm shells and achieved his fourth kills in aerial combat in two days. The pilot Yitzhak Glantz-Golan also ejected and was captured. Such efficient handling of fighter aircraft has, thereby, became exemplary and a unique lesson for conducting aerial combat worldwide. People research to draw lessons for acquiring professional excellence from this unimaginable episode. Israel retaliated Iraqi resistance and destroyed the airfield and 23 aircraft of Iraq Air Force in the following days (Wikipedia, Six-Day War, 2024). The overall outcome was a huge military success for Israel and it changed the map of middle east for the foreseeable future. But Azam had a role to play in proving that the Israeli pilots were not invincible against worthy opponents, even with Israel’s superior capabilities. 

 

13. Only by joining the aerial combat on behalf of Iraq Azam made a history. He is the only pilot in history who had been adorned with the coveted uniforms of four different Countries-Bangladesh, Pakistan, Jordan and Iraq. He has flown, from propeller aircraft to the modern supersonic fighters with eight different Air Forces of the world. The Arab states acknowledged his valiant contributions in participating the Arab-Israel war. He was conferred with top honours with a number of medals for his courageous contribution in aerial combat. State of Jordan has conferred him the gallantry award “Wissam al-Istiqlal” (Royal Order of Independence) and Stae of Iraq has bestowed him the prestigious gallantry award “Naw’t al-Shujat (Medal of Bravery). Prior to achieve such remarkable feats he was already recognized with the gallantry award “Sitara-e-Jurat” (Star of Courage)-the third highest military award (PAF equivalent of the RAF Distinguished Flying Cross) and “Sitara-e-Basalat” (Star of Good Conduct) by Pakistan for his glorious contribution in 1965 Indo-Pak war (Wikipedia Saiful Azam, 2024). This is a rare accomplishment in history of mankind to achieve gallantry awards from three different countries (Pakistan, Jordan and Iraq) for valiant contributions in three different wars. Azam had received peacetime gallantry awards like Sirat-e-Harb (1965), Tamgah-e-Basalat and Tamgha-e-Jung (1965) from Pakistan. He was awarded “Bangladesh Joy Padak” and “Bangladesh Songbidhan Padak” by the Peoples Republic of Bangladesh (Wikipedia Saiful Azam, 2024).

14. Super Eagle Suja (Saiful Azam) was born to exhibit gallant demonstration in live encounter in the aerial combat. Only at the age of 23 he fearlessly participated in the India-Pakistan war in April-September 1965. Pakistan launched “Operation Grand Slam” on 1st September 1965 to regain lost territories at Kashmir. 

Azam was at Mauripur with No. 17 Squadron that used to fly F-86 Sabre. Indian army column claimed strong movement through second echelon (first being in Kashmir) in Punjan towards the heartland of Pakistan. PAF had actually provided the crucial balance in the battlefield by keeping the Indian advances at bay. The Sabres were aptly employed for providing Close Air Support (CAS) supported by F-104 Starfighter interceptors (Masum Billah, 2021). Tho Bengali pilots of PAF Azam along with Alam regularly caused havoc to adversary’s ground forces by conducting series of Fighter Ground Attack (FGA) missions against Indian’s military deployments by F-86s Sabre from PAF Base Sargodha (Wikipedia Indo-Pakistani War of 1965, 2024). Throughout the war, Azam took part in 12 ground-attack missions which inflicted severe damages to the Indian military forces. Pakistani fighter pilot, Squadron Leader MM Alam (who was also born in Bangladeshi), was credited with the record of downing five Indian aircraft in less than a minute (probably 40 seconds), becoming the first known flying ace since the Korean War in 1950–1953 (Wikipedia Indo-Pakistani War of 1965, 2024). Our hero Azam had also achieved numerous records in the history of aerial combat. He became only flying ace to experience three different theatres of war in three different scenarios and time frames. 

15. It was 19th September in 1965. Four F-86 Sabres were immediately launched from Sargodha for CAS mission in support of Pak-army on ground. The formation led by Squadron Leader Azim Daudpota reached the target area in minutes and began its attack runs over enemy lines (tanks, military convoy, gun positions and troops). It was one of the most successful day for PAF with many kills on the ground (19 tanks, 6 military vehicles destroyed). As Azam’s formation was about to complete its sixth dive over the enemy target, they were intercepted by four Indian Folland Gnat fighters. British manufactured subsonic fighter jet aircraft Folland Gnat got the nickname "Sabre Slayer" for its success against F-86. The transonic jet fighter, produced by North American Aviation, the F-86 Sabre is the best known as the United States' first swept-wing fighter that could counter the swept-wing Soviet MiG-15 in high-speed dogfights in the skies during the Korean War, fighting some of the earliest jet-to-jet battles in history (Wikipedia North American F-86 Sabre, 2024). It was considered one of the best and the most important fighter aircraft in that war. 

On the other hand, The Gnat was credited as having shot down seven Pakistani Canadair Sabres in the 1965 war, while two Gnats were downed by PAF fighters. None but Bangladeshi celebrated air warrior Azam is credited to shot down one of those two. He narrated me a very brave and challenging episode in aerial encounter during a personal conversation. He described that he had noticed two Gnats were in pursuit of SM Ahmed’s Sabre and the other two Gnats were at his left trying to take position behind his own F-86. IAF Gnats were faster and more maneuvourable in close combat than that of Azam’s own Sabre. He was also outnumbered by IAF interceptors two to one. Our beloved Suja bhai was actually hunted by enemy fighters. While pretending to comply with interceptors’ instructions he made a sudden evasive maneouvour to fool the accompanying IAF fighters. In the following moments Azam made a few evasive turns, followed by hard “Chandelle”, partial barrel role, and flying inverted to keep the enemy in full sight. In the quick aerobatic movement, the scenario was completely reversed. Azam, with a larger aircraft was on top of the Gnats with guns aiming squarely on the tail of one of the Gnats. He had shot down one of two attackers, a Folland Gnat, and earned his first victory in the air. He also mentioned that he had probably shot another fighter, whose flame he had noticed, but was not sure of its falling down. The pilot of the downed IAF fighter Flying Officer Vijay Mayadev could successfully ejected, but landed inside Pakistani territory. He was immediately captured by Pakistani soldiers on the ground and spent the rest of the war imprisoned in Pakistan as POW (Wikipedia, Indo-Pakistani War of 1965).

16. The ace in the air genuinely showed his class even during the initial building of his career. He got selected for training in USA for two years during his cadet period at PAF College in Risalpur, Pakistan. Azam arrived Lackland AFB, known as Gateway to the Air Force in San Antonio, Texas, USA in July 1959. He got training on Lockheed T-33 jet trainers for six months from October 1959 to April 1960 at Bartow AFB, Florida. His development for becoming an ace pilot continued by successful completion of basic flying training on T-33 at AFB Reese from May to October 1960. Azam was benefited from a sound instructor-apprentice relationship with flying instructor Goodwell. ‘Discipline, hard work, training along with basic instincts’ are the essential attributes that he kept in mind for shaping the conviction for becoming a fighter pilot. He commenced his training at Advance Gunnery School in Luke AFB, Arizona in November 1960. Initially he got jet conversion on Lockheed T-33 once again. Then he has started his long friendship with F-86 Sabre while undergoing advance training on fighter and jet aircraft (Wikipedia, Saiful Azam ). Once he had narrated me that when he was asked to fly for the first mission in USAF Base Luke by his fellow flying instructor, he had just mesmerized the US veteran by his flying skills with F-86 Sabres. His instructor uttered during debrief session “I have nothing to teach you, my boy, rather I wish to learn flying from you, my dear.” The manifestation of such performance was recognized when Azam achieved the prestigious “Top Gun” trophy for his best all round performance on 14th April, 1961- a rare fit for any non-American pilot (Official website, Pakistan Air Force). An ace eagle was actually unfolded who would exhibit his courageous flying talents in the days to come. 

17. Saiful Azam was a product of a Cadet College system in Pakistan. He is a proud graduate of the Pakistan Air Force College in Sargodha. He joined Pakistan Air Force Academy, Risalpur in 1958 and successfully obtained commission as an officer in the General Duties Pilot {GD (P)} branch in 1960. Azam was posted for a brief period in Dhaka before becoming an instructor pilot with the T-33s at PAF's No. 2 Squadron (Jet Conversion Unit) in Mauripur, Karachi. While still posted as an instructor, Azam valiantly fought in the Indo-Pak War in September 1965 joining No. 17 Squadron from PAF Base Sargodha, flying F-86s. In 1966, only at the age of 24 he assumed the command of PAF's No. 2 Squadron (Wikipedia, Saiful Azam, 2024).

18. Saiful Azam is the only air warrior in history to fly for eight different air forces (Bangladesh, Jordan, Iraq, Pakistan, USA and other three), participated in the theatre of war (aerial combat) on behalf of three different air forces (Jordan, Iraq and Pakistan), and destroyed fighter planes in aerial combat of two different air forces (India and Israel). As of now, he held the record for shooting down more number of Israeli aircraft than any other person in the planet, total four IAF aircraft (Higham, Robin, 2003). 

19. With the prime motto of “Honour Heritage, Serve Community, Forge Futures” an USA based organisation named ‘The Gathering of Eagles Foundation (GOE)’ regularly organizes an annual event at USAF Air Command and Staff College (ACSC), Alabama intended to allow the next generation specially the aviators to learn from the distinguished men and women (Eagles) who have made significant contributions to air, space, and cyberspace power (Air University, Maxwell AFB, Alabama, 2024 ). Accordingly, Saiful Azam was rewarded as one of the Living Eagles for 2000 along with 22 aviators from USA, UK, France, Germany, and Israel (Gathering of Eagles Foundation, 2024). Chuck Yeager, President George HW Bush, astronauts John Glenn, Buzz Aldrin and Neil Armstrong were all honoured as “Living Legend” in the past. Suja bhai narrated that when his name was announced in the auditorium to receive the award, the Chief Guest himself came down from the stage and approached him to confer his credentials mentioning “It is my privilege to honour the greatest ‘Ace Eagle’ for his historic contributions”. All the Bangladeshi along with our beloved motherland are proud to have such a gallant son of the soil. The author of article titled "Top Guns" by Ehud Yonay, based on which Don Simpson and Jerry Bruckheimer produced a film named Top Gun (Screen Rant, Top Gun True Story, 2024) was also present on the occasion. He uttered with respect “They (US Navy’s top aviators) might have claimed many kills, but your ones’ had outnumbered their efforts many times. Because they had destroyed them from a standoff distance (beyond visual range) with missiles and radar guidance, and you had inflicted damages to enemy aircraft bravely in close encounter with ordinary gun.” What a brave air warrior is our beloved Azam.

20. The widely circulated newspaper Dawn regarded him as “Master of the sky”. Prince El Hassan bin Talal of Jordan paid tribute to the legend as “The Group Captain remains a legend in Jordan, for his gallantry in supporting the Jordanian Air force during the ‘Six Day’ Arab Israeli War in 1967, when he helped defending the skies of Jordan, and we will always be grateful to him (Dhaka Tribune, 2020).” Palestine Ambassador to Bangladesh Mr Ahmed Rabie stated "On behalf of all Palestinians, I send our deepest condolences to his family in Bangladesh.” Pakistan Air Force Chief Mujahid Anwar Khan mentioned “Azam was an exceptional fighter pilot who would always be remembered for his valour and professionalism.” Bangladesh Air Force (BAF) has paid last tribute to her brave airman by a ceremonial fly past of all types of fighter aircraft of BAF inventory. Bangladesh will ever cherish her esteemed talent who had honoured his country by exhibiting outstanding display of airmanship, particularly in waging aerial combat. The world will ever remember such a fearless air warrior who had set an extraordinary example of professionalism and heroic exploitation of air warfare for future generation of aviators. The display of bravery at the highest level to restore peoples’ emancipation is vividly manifested throughout his illustrated career. Patriotic citizens of Bangladesh will ever treasure their beloved comrade- the Ace eagle in the Air, like no other.